The scorching summer heat has created an unexpected problem for flight attendants: exploding soda cans.
At least 20 Southwest Airlines flight attendants were injured this summer while trying to open drinks, according to the Daily Mail. Washington Post.
The outlet said the airline does not use refrigerated trucks because it does not offer guests meals or perishable foods, so drinks are typically stored inside airports.
A Southwest Airlines spokesperson confirmed the report to Business Insider, saying the scorching temperatures blanketing the US were to blame.
“We are aware of the issue and are taking steps to keep drinks cold on board, especially at our airports where temperatures are extreme,” the statement said. “This is a cross-functional effort between our airport teams and those in the air.”
“Airports where we have a significant presence — such as Las Vegas, Phoenix and many in Texas — continue to experience record-breaking temperatures, with extreme heat arriving early and continuing throughout the summer,” the statement continued. “For the safety of our employees and customers, we are taking educational and mitigation measures regarding all heat-related risks.”
Firefighters from the Cyprus Forest Service extinguish a fire that broke out in June 2024. Iakovos Hatzistavrou/Getty Images
Parts of the world have been hit by a severe heat wave this summer. Climate scientists say 2023 was the hottest year on record since 1850, and 2024 looks set to follow suit.
Up to 85 howler monkeys fell dead from trees in Tabasco after a heat wave hit southeastern Mexico last May.
Forest fires broke out on the Greek island of Cyprus last June after a heat wave.
Temperatures have also soared this month in Italy, where the health ministry has placed 12 cities under the most severe heat warning. NPR reported.
In the United States, heat is exacerbating problems in Texas in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.
At least six people in the Houston area have died due to the extreme heat, The Weather Channel reported, and officials said the death toll is expected to rise.
CenterPoint Energy, the main energy provider in Houston, said more than 2 million customers lost access to power in the wake of the hurricane.
“Explorer. Unapologetic entrepreneur. Alcohol fanatic. Certified writer. Wannabe tv evangelist. Twitter fanatic. Student. Web scholar. Travel buff.”
